Stranraer and the Rhins – Places to Visit
Mull of Galloway
As part of the ‘Mull of Galloway Experience’, visit the historic lighthouse, first lit in 1830, sited on dramatic cliffs high above the Irish Sea at Scotland’s most southerly point. Climb the 115 steps to the top, view the exhibition of lighthouse history, and combine the occasion with walk options in experiencing the wildlife of the surrounding RSPB nature reserve. Lighthouse tours (certain days – check website link) and daily entry to exhibition, 30 March until 1 November. Gallie Craig coffee house open 5 days a week February-November. Free access to site 365 days a year.
Dunskey Castle (Portpatrick)
Spectacularly-sited ruins of a clifftop fortress with magnificent views across the Irish Sea. Reached on foot via a short circular walk from Portpatrick village, currently the castle can only be viewed from the exterior. The Adairs had a fortalice here during the fourteenth century, although the site may have been occupied in previous times. The impressive structure as seen today represents work from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, during which time its ownership changed hands on several occasions.
Port Logan Fishpond (near Stranraer)
Visit this Georgian fish larder on the beautiful Rhins of Galloway coast, dating from 1788 and constructed – by enlarging a natural hole in the rock – for Colonel Andrew McDowall of Logan. A themed museum and gift shop are contained in the quaint castle-style building alongside. Today the fishpond is home to a range of sea fish and marine life. Open throughout the year (reduced hours during winter). Small admission charge.
Castle Kennedy and Gardens (near Stranraer)
The picturesque shell of an early seventeenth-century prototype mansion (not entirely lacking defensive measures) built by the Kennedys. Following a destructive fire of 1716, the structure was retained as the chief ‘ornament’ of outstanding gardens first laid out by William Adam. The castle is only viewable from outside in visiting the magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens.
Towers and Lighthouses
Reflecting the troubled past of the Rhins are remains of several towerhouses – effectively small castles – built by the major families inhabiting the area since medieval times. A few survive as ruined shells, such as Galdenoch Tower, Corsewall Castle (pictured above right), while others remain intact having been incorporated in later mansions (e.g., Lochnaw), while the ‘Castle of St John’ in Stranraer (pictured above left) is now a museum. Dating from a later era, a half-dozen lighthouses around the Rhins testify to the potentially dangerous waters, including rocky coast, around the peninsula as once posed to shipping. In addition to the Mull of Galloway lighthouse as featured above, two others which can be viewed from the adjacent coastal path are those of Corsewall – a portion of which serves as a hotel and restaurant – and Killantringan.
Kirkmadrine Stones & Chapel (near Sandhead)
At an early Christian site quite probably dating from the sixth century, incised stones (some with Latin inscriptions and Greek chi-rho crosses) are now preserved in the surviving portion of a historic parish church, itself likely built with material from an earlier monastery on the spot. The remaining memorials, all formerly located in the graveyard, date from the c.700 to 1100 AD. Historic Environment Scotland maintain the site, admission free, open all year round.
Stranraer Museum
Housed within Stranraer’s elegant Georgian old town hall, enter and explore Wigtownshire’s rich past. Discover all about this part of Galloway during the Second World War, and in earlier times, or simply enjoy the range of historic objects on display. With various displays featuring topics such as archaeology, county history, farming, and local Arctic explorers, Stranraer Museum is well worth a visit. Open throughout the year (seasonal variations – check website link), admission free.